Picture this: Trae Young in anything other than Hawks red and black. Seven years into his NBA career, the idea seems almost impossible. But with 2026 free agency approaching and contract extension talks looming, that scenario might not be as far-fetched as it sounds. Young holds the keys to his own destiny with a player option that could reshape the entire landscape of the league.
Why Are NBA Executives Already Watching Trae Young’s Contract Situation?
During a recent sit-down on ESPN’s NBA Today, Shams Charania revealed that one of the storylines shaping up at the Summer League is Young’s future status. According to the highly respected insider, several teams are monitoring the current situation, and there would be plenty of interest if Young were to hit the market.
“Executives in Las Vegas are closely watching and monitoring the future and status of Atlanta’s Trae Young. He has two years left on his deal this upcoming season, but he has a player option in 2026. He can be a free agent next summer,” said Charania.
The Hawks and Young have built a mutually beneficial relationship throughout his seven-year tenure, but both parties may need to reevaluate the partnership next offseason. Young is contracted to Atlanta through the 2025-26 season, with a $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign. He’s in line for a colossal four-year, $222 million extension, but if the Hawks aren’t willing to offer him that sum, he could potentially walk away from Atlanta.
With a long list of rising stars on their roster (Zaccharie Risacher, Dyson Daniels, and Jalen Johnson, to name a few), Charania believes the Hawks could pivot in a variety of directions next season.
“They can go several different directions with this team,” added Charania. “But the Hawks want to see how this team looks. Both Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis are extension-eligible.”
Holding on to Young will likely be a priority for the Hawks, but it remains to be seen whether the franchise is willing to commit over $50 million of their yearly payroll to the 26-year-old guard.
What Makes Young One of 2026’s Most Coveted Free Agents?
The league will likely see some big-name stars enter the free agent market in 2026, with players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Luka Dončić all potentially looking for new teams. Still, Young remains one of the most notable players on the list. His age, consistency, and ability to put points on the board make him one of the league’s most valuable assets.
Young is a four-time All-Star and is considered one of the most gifted point guards in the game. He ranked first in the NBA in 2024-25 with 11.6 assists per game, showcasing his ability to elevate his teammates’ play while maintaining his own elite scoring output.
Young’s impact on the Hawks organization cannot be overstated. The Texas native has helped transform a franchise that has historically struggled into a genuine threat in the East and even guided Atlanta all the way to the Conference Finals in 2021. That playoff run demonstrated his ability to perform on the biggest stage and carry a franchise through the postseason.
The Hawks finished with an underwhelming 40-42 record in 2024-25, but it’s hard to point the finger at Young for their shortcomings. He led the Hawks in scoring with 24.2 points per game, making it the sixth consecutive year he had led the team in that category. He has also led the team in assists since the 2018-19 season, establishing himself as the undisputed floor general and primary offensive weapon.
For Atlanta, the decision comes down to whether they believe Young can be the centerpiece of a championship contender or if they need to pivot toward their younger core. For Young, it’s about finding the right situation to maximize his prime years while securing the financial security that comes with a max extension.
